Lexus GS450h 2008 Owner's Manual

5
When trouble arises
489
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash eventThe SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or a near
car crash event, this device may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
● Gasoline engine speed
● Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
● Ve h i c l e s p e e d
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● Position of the transmission shift lever
● Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
● Driver’s seat position
● SRS airbag deployment data
● SRS airbag system diagnostic data
● Front passenger’s occupant classification
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is a system to record
data in a crash or a near car crash event. This is called an Event Data
Recorder (EDR).
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 489 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

490
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Disclosure of the dataLexus will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party
except when:
● An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing company for a
leased vehicle) is obtained
● Officially requested by the police or other authorities
● Used as a defense for Lexus in a law suit
● Ordered by a court
However, if necessary Lexus will:
● Use the data for research on Lexus vehicle safety performance
● Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without dis-
closing details of the vehicle owner, and only when it is deemed neces-
sary
● Disclose summarized data cleared of vehicle identification information
to a non-Lexus organization for research purposes
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 490 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

5
When trouble arises
491
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be
dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*1: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→ P. 5 0 6
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer) *1
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released, the system is operating normally.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning lightMalfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 491 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

492
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
*2: Electronically Controlled Brake System
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.
SRS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
•The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
ECB*2/VSC warning light
Malfunction in:
• The electronically controlled brake system; or
•The VSC.
Electric power steering system warning light Malfunction in the EPS.
“PCS” warning light (if equipped)
Malfunction in the pre-collision system.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 492 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

5
When trouble arises
493
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Have the malfunction repaired immediately.After taking the specified steps to co rrect the suspected problem, check
that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light
(warning buzzer)*3
A door or the trunk is not
fully closed.
Check that all doors and the
trunk are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Remaining fuel
(Approximately 2.6 gal. [10
L, 2.2 Imp.gal.] or less)
Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s seat belt reminder
light (warning buzzer)*4
Warns the driver to fasten
his/her seat belt.Fasten the seat belt.
Front passenger’s seat belt
reminder light
(warning buzzer)*
4
Warns the front passenger to
fasten his/her seat belt.
Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure.Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure.
When the light comes on after
blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pres-
sure warning system.
Have the system checked by
your Lexus dealer.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 493 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

494
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
*3: Open door warning buzzer:
→P. 5 0 5
*
4: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat be lts reminder sounds to alert the driver
and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds
intermittently for 10 seconds after the ve hicle has reached a speed of at least 12
mph (20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in
a different tone for 20 more seconds.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the
warning light comes on and
flashes to indicate that the
master warning system has
detected a malfunction.
Take appropriate action in
accordance with the message
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is your vehicle low on gas?
If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 494 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

5
When trouble arises
495
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
■Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
●If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passenger is not sitting in
the seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the following:
●The airbag sensor assembly
●Front airbag sensors
●The curtain shield and rear side airbag sensors
●The side and curtain shield airbag sensors
●The front passenger occupant classification ECU
●“AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator lights
●The pressure sensor
●The belt tension sensor
●The seat belt buckle switches
●The driver’s seat position sensor
●The inflators
●The warning light
●The interconnecting wiring and power sources
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 495 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

496
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire pressure warning light.
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire pressure warning select switch is set to a different tire setting.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use Lexus wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
■The tire pressure warning light ma y turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even
though the flat tire is replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the
repaired tire and adjust the proper tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning
light will turn off after a few minutes.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 496 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

5
When trouble arises
497
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Vehicles with standard tires:
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflationpressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is
flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
●Vehicles with run-flat tires:
• Decelerate to the lowest appropriate speed as soon as possible. Do not driveover 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have the tire replaced by
the nearest Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 497 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM

498
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
June 19, 2008 1:15 pm
CAUTION
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label).
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label [tire and load information label], you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when one or more of your tires is sig-
nificantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a variety of rea-
sons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction tell-
tale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) to continue to function properly.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 498 Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:44 PM